Air and Surface Connectivity to Be Affected; MeT
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 03 — Kashmir is set to witness another spell of heavy snowfall this weekend, as weather forecasters predict that the current western disturbance will intensify on Sunday, bringing isolated heavy snow and rain to the valley.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) as per Kashmir Despatch, has warned of snow avalanches, landslides, and shooting stones, particularly in the higher reaches, which may disrupt surface and air traffic on January 5 and January 6 in the region.
Meanwhile, the fresh snowfall that blanketed parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday brought some respite from the winter chill.
North Kashmir’s Kupwara and Bandipora districts received four inches of snow, Baramulla saw 2 to 4 inches, and Sopore and Handwara reported 3 to 4 inches. Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district recorded 1 to 2 inches of snow.
The snowfall disrupted road connectivity in several areas. Efforts are underway to restore access, but the IMD cautions that additional snow in the coming days could worsen travel conditions.
A senior official at the Meteorological Department in Srinagar told Kashmir Despatch that heavy snowfall is expected in most places of Jammu and Kashmir on January 4 and 5.
The official stated that the weather system may temporarily cause disruptions in surface and air transportation during this period.
From January 7 to 10, the weather is likely to remain cloudy and dry, while from January 11 to 12, there is a possibility of generally cloudy conditions with light snow in isolated to scattered places, the official added.
He noted that from January 13 to 15, the weather is expected to remain dry.
Frigid Temperatures Persist
The Kashmir Valley continues to shiver under subzero temperatures. Gulmarg and Larnoo recorded lows of minus 8.6°C, making them the coldest spots in the Valley. The summer capital, Srinagar, registered a minimum of minus 2.6°C, while south Kashmir’s Anantnag dipped to minus 6.2°C. The Zojila Pass remained the coldest in the region, with a bone-chilling minus 22.0°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures were relatively milder but still chilly. Jammu city recorded a low of 7.4°C, Banihal 2.9°C, and Bhaderwah 1.6°C. The popular pilgrimage town of Katra offered some respite, with a minimum temperature of 9.0°C. The Ladakh region continued to endure harsh conditions, with Leh and Drass both recording minus 7.8°C and Kargil plunging to minus 8.2°C.
Travel Advisory
Despite the challenging weather, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way traffic. However, authorities urged commuters to follow lane discipline, avoid overtaking, and travel during daylight hours, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, where landslides and shooting stones remain significant concerns.
Meanwhile, roads such as the SSG Road, Bhaderwah-Chamba Road, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Road are closed due to heavy snow accumulation.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
